If that happens, water used for consumption can be disinfected by any one of the following methods:

Bringing the water to a rolling boil and holding it there for one (1) minute, OR

Using a disinfecting chemical. If you cannot boil water, you should put eight (8) drops of common household bleach (unscented) which is about one-eighth teaspoon, into one (1) gallon of tap water, then shake it, and allow it to stand for 30 minutes before drinking. If the water is cloudy, use sixteen (16) drops, about one-quarter teaspoon of bleach, shake it, and let it stand for 30 minutes. There should be a slight chlorine odor. Use common household bleach that has 5 to 8 percent active ingredients. Use food grade containers.

Using water purification tablets or iodine that many sports and camping stores sell, and follow the directions on the package.

Consumption includes brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables and homemade ice. Showering, bathing and shaving are not included.

Lee County Utilities will announce when the water is deemed safe to drink.

Lee County residents are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best in the event of Hurricane Irma. They were boarding up homes and filling sandbags and buying supplies. Andrew West/news-press.com

Lee County residents are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best in the event of Hurricane Irma. They were boarding up homes and filling sandbags and buying supplies. Andrew West/news-press.com

Lee County residents are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best in the event of Hurricane Irma. They were boarding up homes and filling sandbags and buying supplies. Andrew West/news-press.com

Lee County residents are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best in the event of Hurricane Irma. They were boarding up homes and filling sandbags and buying supplies. Andrew West/news-press.com

Lee County residents are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best in the event of Hurricane Irma. They were boarding up homes and filling sandbags and buying supplies. Andrew West/news-press.com

Lee County residents are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best in the event of Hurricane Irma. They were boarding up homes and filling sandbags and buying supplies. Andrew West/news-press.com

Lee County residents are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best in the event of Hurricane Irma. They were boarding up homes and filling sandbags and buying supplies. Andrew West/news-press.com

Lee County residents are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best in the event of Hurricane Irma. They were boarding up homes and filling sandbags and buying supplies. Andrew West/news-press.com

Lee County residents are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best in the event of Hurricane Irma. They were boarding up homes and filling sandbags and buying supplies. Andrew West/news-press.com

Lee County residents are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best in the event of Hurricane Irma. They were boarding up homes and filling sandbags and buying supplies. Andrew West/news-press.com

Lee County residents are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best in the event of Hurricane Irma. They were boarding up homes and filling sandbags and buying supplies. Andrew West/news-press.com

Lee County residents are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best in the event of Hurricane Irma. They were boarding up homes and filling sandbags and buying supplies. Andrew West/news-press.com

Lee County residents are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best in the event of Hurricane Irma. They were boarding up homes and filling sandbags and buying supplies. Andrew West/news-press.com

Lee County residents are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best in the event of Hurricane Irma. They were boarding up homes and filling sandbags and buying supplies. Andrew West/news-press.com

Lee County residents are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best in the event of Hurricane Irma. They were boarding up homes and filling sandbags and buying supplies. Andrew West/news-press.com